Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84868 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 424(@200wpm)___ 339(@250wpm)___ 283(@300wpm)
She started to cry, and I couldn’t understand anything she was saying, just bits and pieces.
“Lynn, don’t worry. He’s going to be okay. I’m leaving downtown River Falls now.”
“Be careful, Ensley, sweetheart.”
“I will. See you soon.”
After hanging up with Lynn, I pulled up Doug’s number and tapped to call him.
“You can’t possibly be there already,” he laughed.
“Doug, I hate to do this to you, but Lynn Owens just called me. Jacob’s had a heart attack.”
“Oh shit.”
“I’m sorry to back out on our plans.”
“It’s okay, Ensley. Do you want me to drive you? I’m assuming they went to Granby Memorial Hospital.”
“They did, and no, thank you. I’ll let you know what’s going on as soon as I learn more. Again, I’m so sorry.”
“No worries, Ensley. Be safe driving there, and we’ll talk soon.”
“Thank you, Doug. Talk soon.”
Hitting End, I set my phone in my purse and pulled out onto Main Street. I couldn’t help but wonder if the universe was trying to tell me something.
Something like, maybe Doug wasn’t part of the plan.
At least not part of my plan.
I tapped lightly before opening the door to the hospital room. Lynn was sitting in the chair she’d pulled up as close as she could to Jacob’s bed. Her head was lying on the mattress and, for a moment, I thought about slowly backing out. When I got here yesterday, she’d been beside herself. Afraid she was going to lose her husband. I couldn’t blame her one bit.
I slowly took one step back, but she lifted her head and smiled.
“Ensley, sweetheart.”
I held up a to-go cup. “I brought you some coffee.”
“I hope you brought some for me, as well,” Jacob said in a raspy voice.
“You’re up!” I said, as I walked into the room. I handed Lynn her coffee before bending over and kissing Jacob on the cheek. “How are you feeling?”
He sighed. “Tired.”
I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. “You should go back to sleep then.”
Jacob rolled his eyes, then smiled at me. “Lynn said you got hotel rooms for both of you here in town. Ensley, you need to be working, not here.”
“You don’t worry about me, sir. I’ve got everything taken care of, and I’m not leaving.” Glancing at his wife, I said, “You need to go get some sleep, Lynn.”
“She’s right, sweetheart. You’ve been here since yesterday. I know you’re exhausted.”
Lynn worried her lower lip as she looked from Jacob to me.
“I won’t be going anywhere,” I promised her, “and the hotel’s just five minutes up the road.”
“Please, go for me, Lynn. I’ll rest easier knowing you’re getting rest, as well.”
That seemed to do it for Lynn. She kissed Jacob goodbye, then hugged me.
“You’ll call me if anything happens?”
I guided her out of the room and walked with her toward the elevators. “Nothing is going to happen, but yes, I’ll call you. Go take a hot shower and get some sleep. Eat something, too. My card’s on the rooms, so order room service.”
“Ensley Wilde, you don’t need to do that.”
Placing my hand on her arm, I said, “I want to do it. Now go.”
Once Lynn was safely in the elevator, I headed back to Jacob’s room. He was still awake when I walked in.
“What about your clients? My clients?”
“I’ve taken care of both. I need you to stop worrying, okay?” I sat down and took his hand in mine.
Jacob caught my gaze. “I want you to know, Ensley, that I’ve always loved you like a daughter.”
Tears stung the back of my eyes. “I know. And I’ve always loved you like a second father.”
He paused at that admission, even though I know he knew it and I swear I saw tears form in his eyes, as well. But he quickly changed the subject. “How are you doing, Ensley?”
“Me? I’m doing great. Lots of things are happening with the Wilde family lately.”
“I’ve heard. What about you? Are you dating anyone?”
I felt my cheeks heat. It was strange talking to Jacob about this particular subject. “Not seriously.”
He nodded.
I really didn’t want to ask the next question…but I needed to. I was positive Lynn would have let her son know his father was in the hospital. “Um, Jacob, has Colt been told about your heart attack?”
His eyes were closed. “I believe Lynn called to let him know.”
I leaned forward, hoping he’d give me more information. Like, was he coming home, at least? And if so, when? I wanted to know when to be gone. The last thing I wanted was to run into Colt. Or was it…
I was about to ask when a soft snore came from Jacob.
Smiling, I reached into my bag and pulled out a book. I walked over to the small love seat against the wall, curled up, and started reading. It didn’t take long before my own eyelids grew heavy. I leaned my head against the back of the sofa and closed my eyes.